03 Proposal for the Miklabraut Cap

Guiding principles

The area's redevelopment will boost new transport options like the CityLine. Coupled with the Miklabraut Highway Cap, it paves the way for a livable community with more homes and jobs near big workplaces and schools.

Environment

The area will transform into a diverse, meticulously designed, and eco-friendly living and work environment. It will prioritize social diversity, diverse cultural activities, sustainable living, public health, and quality of life.

Environmental objectives and new development will be seamlessly integrated into the existing cityscape, emphasizing high-quality architecture and aesthetically pleasing public spaces—where artwork becomes an intrinsic component of the environment. Covered, sunny, and green spaces will be highlighted.

Walking and cycling are the most environmentally-friendly forms of travel and the most efficient for shorter distances. A positive experience of these travel methods and connections to nearby neighborhoods will be prioritized, ensuring easy and beautiful journeys. An urban-centric street system with broad sidewalks and bike lanes will encourage the active movement of people throughout the area, and public spaces will invite lingering.

New residential and commercial area

A new residential and commercial neighborhood will be created on top of the highway cap, where a split-level interchange currently exists. In terms of scope and urban layout, this serves as a continuation of Hlíðarendi and opens up possibilities for future redevelopment along Skógarhlíð.

Consideration is also being given to aligning with the urban layout of the grounds of Landspítali, showcasing options for modifying building plots in its southwestern area — which is mainly intended for subsequent phases of development, at the new highway cap.

This new neighborhood will feature public spaces in sheltered, sunny corners as well as diverse communal areas and outdoor recreation spots nearby, offering a variety of activities for inhabitants and other city residents.

Highway cap implementation

A part of the cap below Miklatorg will be on two levels. The lowest level will consist of four lanes for Miklabraut-Hringbraut. The upper level of the cap will serve as an entrance to the basement of the transportation hub for public transport from rural areas, express routes that don't stop in Hlíðar, the airport shuttle, and long-distance buses.

Provisions have been made to allow direct access from the cap to the car park at Landspítali on Hringbraut and the possibility of connecting the cap to the north, up Snorrabraut.

Snorrabraut and Hringbraut will connect to Bústaðavegur on the surface of the cap via a new link road that could be called "Bústaðahlíð". It will have traffic-light-controlled intersections at Bústaðavegur.

Traffic from Snorrabraut towards the east on Miklabraut enters through an access ramp from Fálkahlíð. Traffic from Bústaðavegur connects with Miklabraut eastbound through the same access ramp.

Main layout of the buildings

With the construction of the cap it will be possible to reconnect and join together the established neighborhoods of Hlíðar, Norðurmýri, and Þingholt. Subsequently, the newly constructed areas to the west of Öskjuhlíð, at Hlíðarendi, and on the Landspítali plot will blend effortlessly with established structures, thanks to this cap.

The street system of the neighborhoods will merge into one interconnected network. The area plan is based on a simple and clear street system for all modes of transport. Traffic will be slow and efficient, with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists.

Roads will go in both directions, with parallel parking spaces and street trees add to the aesthetic. Pedestrians and cyclists will enjoy easy and safe access through the new neighborhood which connects to existing residential and outdoor recreation areas via continuous paths through residential streets and trails.

Transportation hub at Miklatorg

At the intersection of Snorrabraut and Miklabraut is Miklatorg, where a new transportation hub is planned for the central station of the CityLine, Strætó, the airport shuttle, and regular service for rural areas.

This is a three-phase transportation hub that, in addition to CityLine and Strætó, will serve long-distance coaches, airport shuttles, taxis, electric scooters, and bicycles. Public traffic passes through at the lowest level. From there, buses go to the stop. Above, at the top of the cap, CityLine, Strætó, bicycles etc. travel through a city street.

There will be space in the upper levels of the transportation hub for various activities such as retail, recreation, services, offices, hotels, gyms, and even dwellings. Lively atmosphere with people coming and going.

The transport hub at Miklatorg, with one level below ground, and a cap housing four lanes of Miklabraut/Hringbraut traffic at its lowest level.

Possible new construction sites on the Valur area

All modes of transport have good connections at the Valur sports area, which will greatly benefit the residents of all surrounding areas. The plan reveals possibilities for two new construction sites on the current fields to the west of Arnarhlíð. Nonetheless, if the fields remain, there is a good connection through Fálkahlíð to Blóðbergsgata on the Landspítali plot.